Texan says ‘wow’ to TV personality’s new deal

John McClain ranked the top 50 Texans in terms of their value to the organization following last season. Mario Williams left that organization as a free agent and signed with the Buffalo Bills. McClain, though, did not rank Williams as high as many might think. less

John McClain ranked the top 50 Texans in terms of their value to the organization following last season. Mario Williams left that organization as a free agent and signed with the Buffalo Bills. McClain, ... more

Photo: AP

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The ranking is not only about who’s best, but who’s the most valuable, including the importance of his position within the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. For instance, if the defense still played a 4-3, DeMeco Ryans would play middle linebacker and rank in the top 10. But they play a 3-4, and his position doesn’t spend much time on the field because he’s usually replaced on passing downs by a cornerback. less

The ranking is not only about who’s best, but who’s the most valuable, including the importance of his position within the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. For instance, if the defense still ... more

According to the Associated Press, a recent report about Lauer’s $25 million deal was dismissed by NBC President Steve Capus. He called that speculation “complete silliness.” NBC declined to provide further details Thursday on the contract.

Ward signed a one-year deal with the Texans before last season. His base salary was $875,000.

Ward, a veteran back who won a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2007 and ran for 1,000 yards in 2008, ran for 154 yards and two touchdowns last season with the Texans. He remains an urestricted free agent.

Wrote John McClain earlier this offseason: “What he means to the Texans can’t be measured in statistics. The Texans are hoping Ward is happy with his role as a mentor to Foster and Tate and as one of the leaders in the locker room.”

Photo: Jordan Graber / For the Chronicle

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Seven-month-old Stacy Anderson waits on the sidelines before the start of the Texans' game against the Jaguars.

Seven-month-old Stacy Anderson waits on the sidelines before the start of the Texans' game against the Jaguars.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Amber Bynum, 20

Amber Bynum, 20

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Ryann Velasquez, 23, and his cousin, Byanca Janog, 25, of Sugar Land

Ryann Velasquez, 23, and his cousin, Byanca Janog, 25, of Sugar Land

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Keygan Rampersad holds a toy tiger in his mouth as the Texans played the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of a playoff game.

Texans fan Keygan Rampersad holds a toy tiger in his mouth as the Texans played the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of a playoff game.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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George Lazaneo, 39

George Lazaneo, 39

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A Texans fan wears a Halloween mask during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A Texans fan wears a Halloween mask during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Joe Eidson

Joe Eidson

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle

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Fans cheer during the first quarter of a game against the Panthers at Reliant Stadium.

Fans cheer during the first quarter of a game against the Panthers at Reliant Stadium.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Chris "The Texan Freak" Lockridge, 46

Chris "The Texan Freak" Lockridge, 46

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Roy and Lupe Guerrero

Roy and Lupe Guerrero

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Photo: Jay Dryden / For the Chronicle

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Kimberly Bayne looks on nervously as the Texans try to rally in their second-round playoff game against the Ravens.

Kimberly Bayne looks on nervously as the Texans try to rally in their second-round playoff game against the Ravens.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Associated Press

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Mark Baughman, 52

Mark Baughman, 52

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Texans fan Christopher Martin sits atop his uncle Roland Martin's shoulders before a game against the Cleveland Browns.

Texans fan Christopher Martin sits atop his uncle Roland Martin's shoulders before a game against the Cleveland Browns.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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A Texans fan cheers on quarterback T.J. Yates during the fourth quarter of a game against the Atlanta Falcons.

A Texans fan cheers on quarterback T.J. Yates during the fourth quarter of a game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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A Texans fan holds up a foam finger during the fourth quarter of a game against the Atlanta Falcons.

A Texans fan holds up a foam finger during the fourth quarter of a game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Carissa Cervantez, along with other Texans fans, swarms for AFC South Division Champions shirts at the Go Texan Store.

Carissa Cervantez, along with other Texans fans, swarms for AFC South Division Champions shirts at the Go Texan Store.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Elmer Reyes (left) and Edgar Vasquez, along with other football fans, swarm for AFC South Division Champions shirts at the Go Texan Store.

Elmer Reyes (left) and Edgar Vasquez, along with other football fans, swarm for AFC South Division Champions shirts at the Go Texan Store.

A Texans fan watches warm-ups before a game against the Carolina Panthers.

A Texans fan watches warm-ups before a game against the Carolina Panthers.

Photo: David J. Phillip / Associated Press

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A fan shows her support for Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates.

A fan shows her support for Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Ruben Rincon reacts after a Texans interception during the fourth quarter against the Panthers.

Texans fan Ruben Rincon reacts after a Texans interception during the fourth quarter against the Panthers.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Fans sit as the stands clear after the Texans lost to the Carolina Panthers.

Fans sit as the stands clear after the Texans lost to the Carolina Panthers.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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A Texans fan cheers during the third quarter of a game between the Texans and the Carolina Panthers.

A Texans fan cheers during the third quarter of a game between the Texans and the Carolina Panthers.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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A fan of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) shows his support.

A fan of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) shows his support.

Photo: Dave Einsel / Associated Press

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Dr. Pavan Pinnamaneni built his "Fanbulance," with the help of his friends out of an ambulance he purchased on Ebay. Pinnamaneni has been a Texans fan since the beginning of the franchise.

Dr. Pavan Pinnamaneni built his "Fanbulance," with the help of his friends out of an ambulance he purchased on Ebay. Pinnamaneni has been a Texans fan since the beginning of the franchise.

Photo: Nathan Lindstrom / Lindstrom Photography LLC

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Texans fan Jase O'Brien waits for autographs before a game against the Tennessee Titans.

Texans fan Jase O'Brien waits for autographs before a game against the Tennessee Titans.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Robert Delgado, of Deer Park, tries on a playoff t-shirt at the Go Texans Store at Reliant Stadium.

Texans fan Robert Delgado, of Deer Park, tries on a playoff t-shirt at the Go Texans Store at Reliant Stadium.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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The Reverend Butter, "Rolando De La Garza," carves the Texans mascot, Toro, into a 300-pound piece of ice at Discovery Green on Jan. 6, 2012, in Houston, as he warms up for the Stella Artois Dirty Dozen: 4th Annual Ice Sculpting Competition, Saturday. less

The Reverend Butter, "Rolando De La Garza," carves the Texans mascot, Toro, into a 300-pound piece of ice at Discovery Green on Jan. 6, 2012, in Houston, as he warms up for the Stella Artois Dirty Dozen: 4th ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Fans of the Texans drink from an ice luge as the tailgate prior to the Texans hosting the Cincinnati Bengals in a first-round playoff game.

Fans of the Texans drink from an ice luge as the tailgate prior to the Texans hosting the Cincinnati Bengals in a first-round playoff game.

Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images

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Texans fan Jake Brinkman, 9, watches players warm up.

Texans fan Jake Brinkman, 9, watches players warm up.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Fans walk outside the stadium prior to the Texans' first playoff game.

Fans walk outside the stadium prior to the Texans' first playoff game.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Getty Images

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A fan dressed like former U.S. President Ronald Reagan holds up a sign which reads "It's Gipper Time!" prior to the Houston Texans hosting the Cincinnati Bengals.

A fan dressed like former U.S. President Ronald Reagan holds up a sign which reads "It's Gipper Time!" prior to the Houston Texans hosting the Cincinnati Bengals.

Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images

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A young Houston Texans fan holds the American flag during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

A young Houston Texans fan holds the American flag during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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Texans fans Tiger Barras, right, and Onare' Brown of Houston cheer as the Texans are announced before their AFC wildcard playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Texans fans Tiger Barras, right, and Onare' Brown of Houston cheer as the Texans are announced before their AFC wildcard playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Fans of the Houston Texans support their team against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Fans of the Houston Texans support their team against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Getty Images

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Houston Texans fans cheer before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Houston Texans fans cheer before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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A Texans fan cheers for the team in its playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

A Texans fan cheers for the team in its playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Brian Ring yells for the team's first playoff game.

Texans fan Brian Ring yells for the team's first playoff game.

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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Texans fans Celina Clark, and her dad, Curtis Pippin, of Pearland, arrive at the airport in Baltimore for the Texans playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Texans fans Celina Clark, and her dad, Curtis Pippin, of Pearland, arrive at the airport in Baltimore for the Texans playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans wait in the cold for the start of the Texans AFC divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Texans fans wait in the cold for the start of the Texans AFC divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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A fan of the Texans watches warm-ups prior to the start of the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.

A fan of the Texans watches warm-ups prior to the start of the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.

A Texans fan takes in the game against the Ravens during the third quarter.

A Texans fan takes in the game against the Ravens during the third quarter.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Donnie Eason, of League City, wears his Halloween costume as he watches the game against the Jaguars in the fourth quarter.

Donnie Eason, of League City, wears his Halloween costume as he watches the game against the Jaguars in the fourth quarter.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans rejoice as time runs out of the Texans' 23-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Texans fans rejoice as time runs out of the Texans' 23-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans deject after the team loses to the Oakland Raiders.

Texans fans deject after the team loses to the Oakland Raiders.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans cheer their team during their team's game against the Steelers.

Texans fans cheer their team during their team's game against the Steelers.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Albi Villegas, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and a Texans fans who is originally from Houston, enjoys a cigar before a game between the Texans and the Miami Dolphins.

Albi Villegas, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and a Texans fans who is originally from Houston, enjoys a cigar before a game between the Texans and the Miami Dolphins.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson celebrates a touchdown with the fans in the second quarter of a game against the Colts.

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson celebrates a touchdown with the fans in the second quarter of a game against the Colts.

Photo: Dave Einsel / Associated Press

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Texans fans display American flags before of a game against the Colts on Sept. 11, 2011.

Texans fans display American flags before of a game against the Colts on Sept. 11, 2011.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans cheer their team during the second quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Texans fans cheer their team during the second quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans cheer their team during the second quarter of a game against the Colts on Sept. 11, 2011.

Texans fans cheer their team during the second quarter of a game against the Colts on Sept. 11, 2011.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Scott Gordon wears American flags on his head before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Texans fan Scott Gordon wears American flags on his head before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans Dan Isaacks, left, and Ryan Dove pose for a photo before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Texans fans Dan Isaacks, left, and Ryan Dove pose for a photo before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Photo: Dave Einsel / Associated Press

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Texans fan Cheri Gibbs of Friendswood wipes away a tear as she and her husband, Bill, observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks before a game against the Indianapolis Colts. less

Texans fan Cheri Gibbs of Friendswood wipes away a tear as she and her husband, Bill, observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks before a game ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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(From left) Texans fans Alonzo Sizable, Ryden Cohen and Marcus Way arrive for a game between the Texans and the Indianapolis Colts.

(From left) Texans fans Alonzo Sizable, Ryden Cohen and Marcus Way arrive for a game between the Texans and the Indianapolis Colts.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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A Texans fan hangs an American flag before a preseason game against the New York Jets.

A Texans fan hangs an American flag before a preseason game against the New York Jets.

Photo: David J. Phillip / Associated Press

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Fans cheer before the start of the Texans vs. Jets preseason game.

Fans cheer before the start of the Texans vs. Jets preseason game.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Herman Eagleton, left, and Jets fan Tony Leonard meet outside Reliant Stadium while tailgating before an NFL preseason football game between the Texans and the New York Jets.

Texans fan Herman Eagleton, left, and Jets fan Tony Leonard meet outside Reliant Stadium while tailgating before an NFL preseason football game between the Texans and the New York Jets.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Brian Ring yells for the team's first playoff game before the NFL wild card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Texans fan Brian Ring yells for the team's first playoff game before the NFL wild card playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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Texans fans cheer before a wild card playoff football game.

Texans fans cheer before a wild card playoff football game.

Photo: Eric Gay / Associated Press

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A Texans fan cheers during the AFC wildcard playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

A Texans fan cheers during the AFC wildcard playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images

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Texans fans wait for the game to begin before an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Reliant Stadium on Jan. 7, 2012.

Texans fans wait for the game to begin before an AFC wildcard playoff football game at Reliant Stadium on Jan. 7, 2012.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fan Mary Salas gets excited for the team's first playoff game.

Texans fan Mary Salas gets excited for the team's first playoff game.

Photo: Dave Einsel / Associated Press

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Texans fans play with their phones before the start of a game against the Jaguars.

Texans fans play with their phones before the start of a game against the Jaguars.